"SELF PUBLISHING OR TRADITIONAL -
PART 4"
I'm back with KC Frantzen for the fourth week of interview questions about her enlightening experience in the self-publishing world.
Q: Hello again KC! Let's talk more about the doggie TREATS! May has already had a birthday party with all of her friends, humans, and Mini-Mays showing up. But actual dog treats can be ordered with or without the book. Novel idea! Do you mind telling us how you found your supplier?
A: Not at all! I met the fabulous folks from Joshua's Pet Treat Bakery at the Apple Festival about 1-1/2 years ago. They were so kind to offer refuge from the rain! May and our other dogs had been blessed recipients of their treats before, and love them. So when I heard their story, I knew then and there that when the time came, I wanted to partner with them, if they were interested. They have been great to work with and we are helping each other network and cross-promote.
Q: How did you go about finding someone who packaged or sold the dog treats?
A: Unbeknownst to me, but known to God, Lois had been working about 18 months on designing her package. So when I phoned her with the idea, neither of us could believe God's timing! We clicked. We're like-minded when it comes to business so we think this will work out well. It certainly has thus far.
Q: You've been out of town watching your new book May on the Way roll off the printing press of Sheridan Books. What
was that experience like?
A: I couldn't believe it - I actually cried!
Q: Ahhhhh! Wish I could have been there with you to see how it's done. I'm sure it was almost like birthing a baby in a way! So now what's left to do? Is there anything else you're going to add to your website for
promotional purposes?
A: The webdesigner is revamping the site now. When we first started, my vision was very different than how it has evolved. So it needs to change.
Websites seem to be a chicken/egg situation. You need a website to develop a presence and platform, but know that changes are necessary as your book develops.
Or at least mine did.
I'm very happy with the book that Taillefer has illustrated and designed and… I was happy with the website. They just don't mesh now, so the website must conform to the book.
Hopefully the new site will be up and running shortly.
Q: Where will the book be sold?
A: Important question. We also concluded that most of the sales will be online, which meant we had to find a credit card processor. Again, what a blessing as the Lord seemed to guide us here: credit-card-processing-review.toptenreviews . We chose one of the top companies on the list. I don't yet know if this is a good decision or not, but know that just about ANYTHING can be negotiated. Take good notes as you speak to the various reps and whatever you do, keep looking at several. Do NOT sign up on the spot. I learned and learned and learned as I spoke to others. I believe I interviewed five companies and seem to have gotten a good deal. Again. We will see.
Lois uses a system that can swipe through her smartphone. We decided against it at this time for ourselves. We'll see how it goes as we proceed. This may change.
Q: You're marketing the book, healthy pet treats, and a plush toy. What if someone wants to purchase the book but they don't own a dog? Can the book be bought separately?
A: Most definitely. I'm not even sure people will want the Mini-Mays but so far, everyone who has seen her wants one so hopefully that will go well. We just took a shot in the dark on quantity and ordered 504 of them, figuring 1:4 ratio of book:plush. Have NO idea if this is reasonable or not. Everything can be reordered as of now, so we'll just have to keep an eye on how fast things are moving.
So yes, to answer your question!
Someone may purchase just the book, or the book and plush, the book and treats. If someone orders all three as a gift pack, there is a discount plus we include the gift bag.
And we are happy to help people with FUN-raisers, book clubs, Scouts, homeschool groups, etc. by offering book discounts in quantities of 10, 25 and more.
Taillefer and I are both available for in person or phone interviews and would love to talk to your group. Contact information is on the © page and on our websites.
So remember, all this part of it takes away from writing time. It's something to consider as you decide which direction to take in your own journey.
Thanks again for letting me share. I truly hope this will help others as we journey the path to publication together!
And May is so happy with her new book she's giving Mom a kiss! Too Cute! I'm also looking forward to reading the book May!
Great interveiw KC! You've definitely taken us through a step-by-step journey of how to self-publish. Like May the K9 Spy dog, you've had to be a sleuth in your own right - thank you so much for sharing with my readers. I'll be checking back with you to see how things are going.
KC and May are available for questions/comments - email me vmoss@livingwaterfiction.com
and I'll post comments/questions and replies.
KC Frantzen owns photography copyright on all photos in this article.
